Winter finally gave way to longer days and clear skies. Spring flowers came alive with buds and an occasional flower. Preparations were being made for the spring work, including the first roundup which would start in two weeks. No specific jobs had been assigned yet. It was at the supper table during this lull that Mrs. Douglas announced, “Liz and I will be doing some shopping in town tomorrow. We’ll be leaving shortly after breakfast and should be back by dark. If anyone wants to come along, you’re welcome.”
“Mind if I go?” Bart asked. “I need to buy some new clothes. Mine are a little tight these days.” They all laughed, except Liz. She had not been herself for the past few days. It seemed like her mind was elsewhere.
“You’re more than welcome to come along, Bart,” said Mrs. Douglas. “Could you have the buggy ready to go by seven in the morning? We should be ready to leave by then.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll have it ready. But if you don’t mind, I’ll ride Maude?”
“That’s fine,” she said. “I can handle the buggy.”
It was close to ten o’clock when the three entered the mercantile at Flat Peaks. The women went to the dress materials, and Bart looked for clothing. Within minutes, he had selected and paid for his new attire, but the ladies had not made their minds up on a single selection. “I’m going to the livery to see Eli,” Bart announced as he passed by the women. “Why don’t we meet at Jenny’s Place around noon?” He didn’t know if they heard him or not, since they were engulfed in the choices before them and didn’t respond.
Bart grinned as he approached the livery to find Eli leaning back in his chair with his hat tilted over his eyes. “I’m not asleep, just resting my eyes,” Eli said as he slid his hat back. When he saw Bart, he jumped up with a smile and gave him a firm handshake. “Sure is good to see you. I been wondering what you’ve been up to? I hear you’ve hooked up for a cattle drive with the James outfit. They’ll work you hard, but a finer group of folks can’t be found. I’ve done a great deal of work for them. Shoeing horses, mending wagon wheels, and the sort. They’ve always treated me good and paid in full when the job was done.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Eli. They seem like fine folks to me.” Eli went to the stove for coffee while Bart moved a couple of chairs to the shade.
Eli blew his coffee and then took a careful swallow, causing his Adam’s apple to bob up and down. After a few more swallows, he asked, “Bart, do you have your gear ready for the trip? I mean, has anyone talked to you about what’s needed for a two or three month cattle drive?”
“No one’s given me any advice on the matter, Eli, but I’m sure Thomas would help if I ask.”
As Eli was sitting back down after refilling their cups, Bart asked. “Could you help me out, Eli? I won’t be coming to town again before the drive, so I’d probably be smart to buy whatever’s needed while I’m here.”
“I was hoping you’d ask,” Eli said with a grin. And after a short pause to collect his thoughts, Eli started naming items as if he was reading from a manifest. Bart made a mental note of his suggestions and was preparing to head back to the mercantile to purchase them when Eli asked, “Do you have a knife? I don’t mean a pocket knife, but one you can keep in your boot?”
“No, sir, I don’t.”
“Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Eli came from the barn holding a sheathed knife ten inches long. “Put this in your right boot, Bart. You never know when it might be needed.” He handed the knife to Bart and asked, “Where’s Maude?”
“She’s standing in front of the mercantile. Why do you ask?”
“Will you call her over? I want to suggest something.” Maude ambled toward the livery after hearing Bart’s whistle. Eli went back inside the barn, and when he returned, he was carrying a saddle, a saddle blanket, and a lariat.
“What’s that for, Eli? I never ride in a saddle.”
“I know that Bart, but you’ll need one on the drive. Besides, you’re gaining weight, and a saddle will help distribute your weight, easing the load for Maude. It’ll be more comfortable for her. This saddle has a rifle boot, and leather straps in the back for your bedroll and saddlebags.” Eli placed the blanket on Maude’s back and then swung the saddle in place. Maude immediately turned her head for a look and then stomped her hoof and swished her tail at a pesky fly.
Bart saw the sun straight overhead. “I’ve got to go, Eli. I’m to meet Liz and Mrs. Douglas at Jenny’s Place at noon. How much do I owe you for the knife and saddle?”
“Not a thing, Bart. They’ve just been laying around getting moldy. Let’s say they’re a late birthday present. I hear you had your sixteenth a month or so back.”
“Yes, sir, I did.” Bart reached for Eli’s hand, gave him a firm, manly handshake, and said, “I’m sure obliged to you for everything you’ve done for me, Eli. If you ever need help, count me in.”
Eli watched Bart step into the saddle and ride toward Jenny’s. “Yes, sir, you’re going to be quite a man someday—someone to ride the land with.” Eli cracked a smile as he watched Bart ride off.
Liz and Mrs. Douglas were sitting with Jenny at a back table when Bart entered. “Sit down, Bart,” Jenny said as she motioned toward the bench, “we’ve been waiting for you.” As soon as Bart sat down, Jenny left but soon returned with three plates of food and then fetched the coffee pot for refills. “I’ll be back in a little while, but right now I’m needed in the kitchen.” The food was delicious, but words were nonexistent. Bart could tell from the ladies’ silence and expressions something was bothering them, but he remained quiet.
When their meals were eaten, Mrs. Douglas rose and said, “Think I’ll go to the kitchen and talk with the women.” She gathered up the empty plates and utensils and headed for the batwing doors.
A couple minutes passed before Liz spoke. “Mama left on purpose, Bart, so we could be alone, I have something to tell you.” Tears welled up in Liz’s eyes and ran down her cheeks.
“What’s wrong, Liz? What is it?” Bart whispered, reaching for her hand.
Liz collected herself. “I’ll…I’ll be going to a finishing school in Pennsylvania, Bart. It’s a girl’s school where I’ll become qualified to be a school teacher. I’ll also be trained to instruct young ladies how to be sociable.”
“When are you leaving, Liz?”
“Papa’s made arrangements for us to leave in a week. We’ll take a stagecoach from Flat Peaks to Colorado Springs, and from there we’ll ride a train to Pennsylvania.”
“Who’s going with you?”
“Jenny knows a lady who wants to visit her family back east. She’ll be my escort. Mama has it all worked out for the price of her tickets.”
“Have you told anyone else, Liz? Do any of the other Double D folks know about your leaving?”
“Yes, they all know. They’ve known for some time. I’m sorry, Bart, but I couldn’t bring myself around to telling you. Mama planned this shopping trip so I could inform you.”
“That’s all right, Liz, I understand. How long will you be gone?”
Tears filled her eyes again as she said, “It’s a two-year course. I’ll be gone for two years, Bart. Two long years.” She started crying again, so Bart pulled her to him and held her tightly as she sobbed on his shoulder. Listening behind the batwings were three strong Western women with swollen red eyes and streaked cheeks.
The trip home seemed to stretch on for hours. And even though Bart had depressing thoughts about Liz leaving the ranch, he was pleased with the feel of the saddle. Few words were spoken in the buggy as it plodded onward, filled with dress fabric, household supplies, and an array of items Bart had bought.
Liz’s last week was solemn. The ladies stayed busy making dresses and packing things in Liz’s chest for the trip. The Double D men continued their normal routines but had long faces with little enthusiasm. Her departure was on everyone’s mind.
Bart planned an evening walk with Liz the day before she was to leave. They headed north along the stream, admiring the budding field flowers and occasionally seeing a rabbit or ground squirrel run into hiding. With only two hours of daylight remaining, the sky was beautiful. Floating clouds of all colors and sunbeams that carried the right amount of heat made the spring afternoon perfect. Bart carried a basket for Liz, hoping it contained something to eat. He also carried the leather bag with his mother’s bible inside.
They heard falling water minutes before coming to the pond. When they arrived, Bart placed the basket and bag on a rough-hewn table, and the two sat down. “This is a lovely place for a picnic, Bart. Who built the table and benches? I’ve never seen them before.”
“I did, Liz, I built them this morning. I wanted our last evening together to be…to be…well, you know.” Liz smiled and nodded.
Falling water was the only sound for several minutes. Finally, Liz broke the silence. “Are you ready to eat, Bart? I made your favorite sandwich and packed a couple pieces of apple pie.” She started unpacking the basket and held up a single cup. “I only had room for one cup.” She smiled. “I thought we could share.”
After eating, Bart reached for his leather bag and removed the Bible. Liz was unsure of its purpose under these circumstances but remained quiet waiting for his explanation. “Liz, this is the most precious thing I own, and I want you to have it.”
“Bart, I can’t accept your mother’s Bible. It’s the only thing you have of hers. It’ll hold memories for years to come. Why do you want me to have it?”
“You’re right, it is special to me, but so are you. And besides, it might get damaged in a rainstorm if I take it with me.”
Liz accepted the Bible. “I’ll keep it until you get settled, then I’ll return it.”
Bart nodded his approval and then continued. “Liz, the main reason I want you to have the Bible is to meet my ma, to get to know her. She was a God-fearing woman, a wonderful person. I know you would have liked her. Nearly every page in her Bible has handwritten notations about her beliefs on matters. Examples of why she knew the scripture is true. If you read her Bible, you’ll get to know her.”
Liz flipped through the pages, coming to the letter. “Here’s your mother’s letter. Do you want me to keep it, too?”
“Yes, I want it kept with her Bible. Liz, I’d like to read Ma’s letter to you if it’s all right.” Liz only nodded. Bart unfolded the paper and began reading. He had to pause a time or two to stifle the ache, but he continued. Liz’s heart was about to break, imagining the pain Bart was enduring as he read the letter that brought back painful memories of not so long ago. Her mind clung to every word—to every thought.
When he concluded, Bart folded and replaced the letter. Neither spoke. Liz simply reached for his hand, and they sat watching the water spill over the rocks. Finally, Bart spoke.
“That’s some name, isn’t it? Azro Bartholomew Carter.” He laughed, but Liz remained sober.
“I agree with your mother, Bart. It’s a name to be proud of, especially considering the characteristics of your grandfathers.”
“I knew you’d agree with her, Liz. It must be a woman thing. By the way, what’s your full name? Your Christian name?”
Liz straightened up, and with an expression of pride, said, “My full name is Eliza Ann Douglas, and I’m proud of it.” Long shadows were forming when Bart started to rise, but Liz pulled him back and kissed him softly on his left cheek. He turned facing her. Their eyes froze on each other. Their faces were serious.
Words were not spoken as they remained sitting. Only the sound of falling water echoed around them. Bart reached for Liz’s hand. She obliged. “Thank you for that kiss, Liz. It means a great deal to me.” She gave a nod with twinkling eyes.
Before the last glimmer of light passed, Bart said, “We’d better go. Your folks may be worried.” The two walked hand in hand back home, knowing it would be a long, long time before they’d see each other again.